The chances of 'The Great British Bake Off' launching on Channel 4 next year just took a big step forward

LONDON — The producer of the "The Great British Bake Off" has
begun pre-production and casting on a new series of the hit
TV show — a move that could spark more unrest between two of the
UK's biggest broadcasters.

But there is a catch in Love's old contract with the BBC. The BBC
still has a one-year "hold back" on the show, which means that
Channel 4 is banned from airing it in 2017.

A BBC spokeswoman told Business Insider that this has not
changed, but concern is growing at the broadcaster that Channel 4
may just push ahead with the programme next year.

This would put the BBC in a tricky position. It could choose to
defend its contractual position and sue Channel 4, but this risks
souring a usually amicable relationship with a fellow public
service broadcaster. Any attempt to delay transmission might also
anger "Bake Off" fans who do not want to go a year without one of
their favourite shows. This year's final was watched by around 16
million viewers.

A Channel 4 spokesman said the broadcaster has "not announced
scheduling plans" and would not be drawn into speculating on when
"Bake Off" might air.

The BBC could just waive its contractual rights

Alternatively, the BBC could just waive the so-called hold back
clause. This could generate good publicity and it would also
benefit the broadcaster commercially. The BBC's commercial arm,
BBC Worldwide, still sells the British version of "Bake Off" to
broadcasters around the world. If the programme is not on next
year, it will have nothing to offer its international partners.

Love Productions is ploughing ahead with production in the hope
that the matter can be resolved next year. It does not want to be
caught in a situation where the BBC and Channel 4 reach an
agreement and it has no new series of "Bake Off" ready to take
out of the oven.

Love
has begun casting for the show online and potential
contestants have until 8 January to apply. "Bake Off" usually
goes into production around April and filming takes place over a
period of more than 10 weeks.

Speculation over the new "Bake Off" presenters

Speculation is also growing over who will present the Channel 4
version of "Bake Off." Judge Paul Hollywood is the only star who
will move with the show after Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, and Mary
Berry opted to stay with the BBC.

Jo
Brand.BBC/Love
Productions

One TV source told Business Insider that presenter and comedian
Jo Brand is under serious consideration. She has a connection
with the show, having hosted BBC2's "The Great British Bake Off:
An Extra Slice" for the past three years.

There has also been speculation in TV circles that Channel 4
might be tempted to air the programme without adverts. This has
been denied by the broadcaster, however. Business Insider
understands that demand to advertise around "Bake Off" has been
high and Channel 4 may extend the length of the hour-long show to
accommodate the commercial spots.